Heal [a Zarry story]

Chapter 25

                      -Zayn-

That evening after Melissa arrived, she insisted on cooking dinner, and no one objected, although we were full.

By the time she'd finished, the smell of what she was cooking began to bring my hunger back. I was sat on the couch beside Liam, trying not to laugh at him dozing off.
Harry was in a rather feminine pose in the armchair, watching me. I made eye contact multiple times, expecting him to finally look away, but he didn't. I could hear Niall and Elle giggling in the kitchen like a couple of children, and ended up smiling at the snort that came from Niall.

I glanced at Harry again, and he smiled at me.

"How are you?" He asked.

I paused a moment, blinking a few times.

"M'fine...why?" I asked with a half chuckle.
He smiled even wider, shaking his head. "Just making sure." He answered quietly.

"I'm really glad you're here." He added, making me nervous with that stare.

Liam snored suddenly, sitting up out of sleep and clearing his throat.

He looked at me and gave me a sleepy smile. "I was listening." He tried to assure me.

I chuckled at him, shrugging a bit. "I wasn't talking Liam. Just watching you sleep."

"Oh." He smiled, looking at his lap. "Sorry, I'm just really tired." He chuckled quietly.

"Go then." Harry spoke up, the sharpness in his words thinly covered with a friendly tone.

I looked at him, and he smiled a little, looking at Liam.

"To bed, I mean."

Liam sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I think I can stay awake. What smells so good?" He asked, smiling at me.

"It's not my cooking this time so I'm not sure." I told him.

"I miss your cooking." He said softly, looking in my eyes.

I smiled at the floor, unable to keep still suddenly.

"Remember that father's day I tried to make you breakfast in bed?" He asked.

I couldn't help but laugh, remembering the toast had been harder than granite.

"You tried." I chuckled, shaking my head.

"You should've stuck with the routine and let me make it for you." I told him.

"Why did you make him breakfast on father's day?" Harry chuckled, staring at me.

"Because-"

"I'm his father." Liam nodded playfully, resting his arm around my shoulders.

"Oh? Interesting." Harry said, nodding slightly.

"He acted alot like a dad towards me so...I just decided to always make him breakfast on fathers day." I informed Harry.

"Okay." He smiled, sending his fingers through his curls. I'd never seen them so long.

"Dinner is ready!" Melissa called to us.

Harry got up first, glancing at me before disappearing around the corner.

I followed him, with Liam right behind me.

"This evening, we'll be having chicken and broccoli Alfredo." Melissa announced, setting plates around the table.

Harry was sure to sit across from me, while Liam sat beside me. Melissa and Niall sat next to Harry, and Elle sat on the other side of Liam.

The food was delicious, but conversation was scarce. Of course Niall wasn't talking, he was too busy eating.